Important Dates

Oct. 4th
o Fall and Class Pictures
October 5th Box Top Bonanza
o Wheeler Workers Our first Box Top Bonanza Day is Friday, Oct. 27th. The
October 6th ,9th, 10th student who brings in the most box tops wins a $25 VISA card!
o No School Also, Campbells Labels for Education has extended their
October 10th deadline. ALL Campbells labels are due BEFORE Christmas
o Parent Teacher Break. After that time, Campbells will no longer be
Conference Day sponsoring Labels for Education. (There is not a contest for
October 12th Campbells so send them in as you get them.) And last but not
o Superman Luncheon least, please collect Tyson Project A+ labels too! Happy
October 17th Collecting! All these bring in money to Wheeler!! Thanks for
o Last day of 1st Grading your support!
Period
October 23rd -27th
o Book Fair
Congratulations to the following students
October 23rd -31st
o Red Ribbon Week for making the Basketball Teams
October 26th
o Report Cards Go Home
Varsity Team Junior Varsity Team
October 27th
Jaida Allen Xavier Conley
o School wide Harvest
Party Blake Bauer Saliou Gaye
October 28th Connor Daniels Will Geoghegan
o Showcase of Schools
Brady Grane Connor Halstead
C.J. Hall Micah Newsome
Preston Pellman Leon Owens
Todjeir Renford Khylee Voll
Jayden Smith Ashton Washington
Kyle Stephens Cassidy Yankey
Dayton Wordlow
 Link your Kroger Plus Card to
Wheeler and earn the school
Money!

Kroger has a Community Rewards Program.

The Wheeler Watch D.O.G.S. 1. Visit www.kroger.com/communityrewards
Program needs You! 2. Sign In or Create an Account to Enroll
3. Once signed in you can enroll or update your
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) - is the Community Rewards under your Account
father involvement initiative of the National Settings.
Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and 4. Find and select Wheeler and click Save
father figures in order to provide positive male
role models for the students and to enhance Our supporters (70 households) who shopped at
school security. Kroger between 6-1-2017 and 8-31-2017 earned
Who are WatchDOGS? Fathers, grandfathers, $483.07 this quarter.
step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who The money earned goes directly to technology in
volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a the classroom!
variety of school activities.
Help us earn more by signing up today.
Our Watch D.O.G.S. kickoff night was a great
success and we already have men signed up to
volunteer in our school 32 days this year. You
can still sign up to be a WatchDOG by visiting the
school and signing up on the calendar or by
visiting this link:
http://jrmeredith.weebly.com/watch-dogs.html

Welcome to a new school year from the Family Connection Family Resource Center!
Parents if you are seeking holiday assistance this school year, you must contact the FRC to receive an
application.
Please call Carmelita Weakley at 313-4555, if you have questions.

JCPS 2017-2018 Educational Benefits Form (EPF)

Parents, this form would have come home with your student. A big part of our schools funding is based on
the free/reduced price and paying status of our student population. Without these forms completed, we
could lose money for programs sponsored by our Family Resource Center. These forms also need to be
completed and returned in order to keep the Community Eligibility (CE) (free lunch for all students
regardless of ability to pay) program and other special programs in our school.
The information you provide on the EBF may also help you with fee waivers.
Please return the form or complete the form on-line at
https://freeandreducedmeals.com/lfserver/Jefferson_County_CEP
 A Message from the Principal
Dear Wheeler Families,

What an awesome start to the 2017-2018 school year! Teachers and staff members are
working hard to bring amazing learning opportunities to each Wheeler student and our
students are curious and anxious to learn! By the middle of next week all students will
have completed the fall administration of the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
assessments in Math and Reading. We are administering MAP tests to determine your
childs instructional level and to measure academic growth. The assessments will be
completed via computer throughout each school year in September, January and April.

MAP tests are unique in that they are able to adapt to the appropriate learning level of each
child. As a result, every student has the same opportunity to succeed. With the use of MAP
tests, we are able to administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving
detailed, accurate information about your childs growth.

Following each testing period, you will receive a report. The teachers are able to use the
data from these reports to focus their classroom instruction to match the needs of each
student. Students will also be guided in completing goal sheets to help them take
ownership of their learning. For more information on MAP testing, download the Parent
Toolkit at https://www.nwea.org/parent-toolkit/ .

In addition to MAP testing and classroom learning, we have been busy with some fantastic
school events! Our Grand Guest Luncheon was once again well-attended and our Walk-a-
thon event Walk for Wheeler was tons of fun with dancing, snow cones, and of course
walking! Thank you to our wonderful PTA for all the great events they sponsor!

It is going to be a GREAT year at Wheeler Elementary School! Thank you for being a part of
our Wheeler TEAM and as always, thank you for sharing your children with us

Respectfully,

Penny Espinosa, Principal

I can set goals. I can make progress. I can achieve.

What is MAP?

Measures of Academic Progress

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a
computerized adaptive assessment program that provides
educators with the information they need to improve teaching and learning. Using the data
from the testing reports, teachers can make student-focused, data-driven decisions for
individualized instruction. The growth and achievement data from MAP is used to develop
targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement.
Students in grades one through five are tested three times per year (fall, winter, and spring)
in reading and math.

MAP:
is not an accountability test
adjusts to a students skill level so that each student takes an
individualized test
generates test questions based on student responses
is administered utilizing the computers with adult supervision
reports student results in RIT scores (see back page)
gives immediate results
measures growth over time
provides information used to target individual instruction
Student MAP Scores
Student MAP testing results are reported in RIT scores (short for Rasch
Unit). A RIT score is an estimation of a students instructional level and
also measures student progress or growth in school. Parents often create a
chart at home where your childs height is measured at certain times,
such as on his/her birthday. This is a growth chart to show how much
your child has grown from one year to the next.
MAP assessments do the same sort of thing, except they measure
your childs growth in reading and mathematics.
The RIT scale is an equal-interval scale much like feet and inches on
a yardstick. It is used to chart your
childs academic growth from year to year. This type of score increases
the value of the tests as a tool to improve student learning because it
enables teachers to pinpoint what students have learned and what students
are ready to learn.
 Meet Our Team

Hello Wildcats,
I am excited to start another great school year at Wheeler. If you are new to Wheeler I
feel it will not take you long to understand exactly what makes Wheeler such an
amazing place for students to learn and grow. It is refreshing to work in an
environment where students are treated with such dignity and where they are pushed
every day to expand their horizons in an effort to maximize their potential. I look
forward to working with you and your student this school year. If I can ever be of
assistance please dont hesitate to call on me.
Joshua Meredith
Assistant Principal
Joshua.Meredith@jefferson.kyschools.us

My name is Jody Foreman and I have been at Wheeler since 1990. I spent 13 years as a
classroom teacher working mostly with 4th and 5th graders. For 14 years now, I have
worked as the school guidance counselor. Some of my many duties include screening
and processing special education referrals. I also act as Wheelers special education
chairperson overseeing meetings and individual education plans. It is my honor to
provide classroom guidance throughout the school year to all classrooms. Some topics
covered include safety, bullying, responsibility, respect, empathy, and goal setting.
From time to time, I also organize and facilitate small focused guidance groups. These
topics have included, making friends, managing our feelings, and anxiety. I have many
students who either see me weekly for individual counseling or are set up with me for
check in meetings. In the coming weeks, I am organizing and planning the Advance
Program Placement test for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This lasts over two weeks in
October and is open to those parents interested in this testing feedback. There are
many other assorted opportunities I have to assist students, teachers, and parents in
partnering and insuring that each students educational, social, and emotional needs
are being met. Feel free to reach me by email (jody.foreman@jefferson.kyschools.us)
or phone (502-485-8349).

Friendly Faces from the Office

Laura Moates Janet Johnston Julie Thomison

Angie Coleman
 I am the Family Resource Center (FRC) coordinator at Wheeler and Fern Creek
Elementary Schools. The FRC is provided to all students and families of Wheeler in an
effort to help remove the barriers that can prevent a student from success. Some of the
specific resources include health services, mental health counseling, holiday assistance,
tutoring information, basic needs, after school clubs/activities, and parent workshops.
Please contact me at (502) 313-4555 if you need information of a specific resource and
I will be glad to provide assistance.

Carmelita L. Weakley, M.Ed.

Coordinator Family Connection Family Resource Center

My name is Carla Abati and I have the pleasure to serve Wheeler Elementary for the
fourth year as a school guidance counselor. It is a privilege to work with Wheeler
students, parents, and staff. My goal is to be a good listener to your child and provide
guidance that supports academic, social, and emotional growth. Wheeler provides a
wonderful, educationally engaging, exciting and safe community for all students. I am
proud to be part of the Wheeler team that encourages, develops and supports each
childs story for success. Please feel free to contact me.

Keeping our School Safe and Clean

Rhonda Jewell Rhonda Freeman

Car Rider Procedures for Morning Arrival

The gate will open at 8:15 and will close at 9:00 for morning arrival.
Students will be allowed to enter the school beginning at 8:30.

1) If you arrive after the gate is closed you will need to use the main entrance.
2) Vehicles are to enter and exit the property using Sprig, Chenoweth Park and Pentel Lane. Right and left turns to
and from Mary Dell Lane to Chenoweth Park are not permitted. Take Cynthia to Sprig which leads directly to
Chenoweth Park.
3) Please do not block intersections or driveways.
4) All car riders must be dropped off at the designated student drop off area only.
5) Car riders should be dropped off by 8:55 AM.

Please note Morning Arrival

Wheelers School day begins at 9:00 a.m.

Doors open for students at 8:30 a.m. each day
Students who are not in their classrooms at 9:00 are marked as tardy to school.
Dont forget that students need time to go to their lockers before going to class.
Car riders and walkers should arrive at school by 8:45 in order to eat breakfast.
 Wheeler Elementary School
5700 Cynthia Drive
Louisville, KY 40291

Phone:
502-485-8349

Fax:
502-313-3555

Remind101 provides a safe way for our

school to text message families and stay in
touch with parents.
Because Remind101 is a service, your
number will always remain hidden. Sign
up by texting or visit the website for more
information.

Wheeler is on Twitter!
Follow @WheelerElem to make sure you dont
miss any updates about all the wonderful things
going on here at Wheeler. Mr. Meredith also has a
twitter, follow @CoachMeredith to check it out!

The JCPS Parent Portal is a secure Web site that you can use to track your child's
progress in school. The goal of the Parent Portal is to create a better partnership
and dialogue between JCPS parents and teachers. We hope that you will use it
regularly and become a partner with us in your child's education.
To get signed up for parent portal please visit:
http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Parent/ParentPortal/index2.html . Once signed
up there is a parent portal app available for both Android and Apple devices.

Everyone knows what Facebook is,

but did you know Wheeler had a page?

You can find our page at www.facebook.com/WheelerJCPS . We will

be posting events, information and photos from school.
 Wheeler Elementary School
2017-2018
Family Activity Dates
October
4th Fall Picture Day and Class Pictures
5th Wheeler Workers 9:15
6th No School-Teacher Professional Development Day
9th No School-Teacher Professional Development Day
10th No School-Parent & Teacher Conference Day
12th Superman Luncheon
23rd-27th Book Fair
27th PTA School-wide Harvest Celebration
November
2nd Wheeler Workers 9:15
3rd Fall Festival
15th Holiday Luncheon
21st Fall Picture Retakes
22nd-24th No School-Thanksgiving Break
December
7th Wheeler Workers 9:15
14th Wheeler Staff Holiday Luncheon 12:00-1:00
19th Classroom Holiday Celebrations 2:00-3:00
20th-29th No School-Winter Break
January
1st No School-New Years Day
2nd No School-Teacher Professional Development Day
4th Wheeler Workers 9:15
11th PTA General Body Meeting 5:45/STEAM Night 6:00
15th No School-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
26th Wonder Woman Luncheon
February
1st Wheeler Workers 9:15
6th Yearbook Group Photos
9th Classroom Friendship Celebrations 2:00-3:00
26th No School-Parent &Teacher Conference Day
March
1st Wheeler Workers 9:15
2nd Daddy/Daughter Dance
12th No School-Teacher Professional Development Day
16th Mother/Son Dance
20th Spring Pictures
April
2nd-6th No School-Spring Break
12th Wheeler Workers 9:15
10th Fifth Grade Cap and Gown and Pictures and Panoramic
19th Fitness/Literacy Night
16th-20th Book Fair
30th-May 4th Staff Appreciation Week
May
2nd Staff Appreciation Luncheon
3rd Wheeler Workers 9:15
4th No School-Teacher Professional Development Day
7th-11th KPREP Testing Week (Tentative)
17th Field Day/ PTA General Body Meeting
18th Field Day Rain Date
21st Perfect Attendance Celebration 2:30
22nd No School-Election Day
23rd Fifth Grade Promotion
24th Last Student Day
 Need to Reach Us?
School Phone: 485-8349
School Fax: 313-3555
Office Staff
Mrs. Penny Espinosa, Principal penny.espinosa@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mr. Josh Meredith, Assistant Principal joshua.meredith@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Jody Foreman, Guidance Counselor jody.foreman@jefferson.kyschools.us
Ms. Carla Abati, Guidance Counselor carla.abati@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Carmelita Weakley, FRC Coordinator carmelita.weakley@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Angie Coleman, School Secretary angela.coleman@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Laura Moates, Attendance Clerk laura.moates@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Janet Johnston, Bookkeeper janet.johnston@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Julie Thomison, ECE Clerk julie.thomison@jefferson.kyschools.us
Kindergarten
Ms. Diana Davidson diana.davidson@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Megan Bratton megan.bratton@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Brittney Brown brittney.brown@jefferson.kyschools.us
Ms. Jennifer Williams jennifer.williams4@jefferson.kyschools.us

First Grade
Mrs. Kim Baker kimberly.baker@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Melissa Boam melissa.boam@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Heather Fagan heather.fagan@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Julie Heard julie.heard@jefferson.kyschools.us

Second Grade
Mrs. Robin Berry robin.berry@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Jeni-Rebecca Geoghegan jeni-rebecca.geoghegan@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Sarah Holman sarah.goff@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Kristine Reger kristine.reger@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Leslie Scherer leslie.scherer@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Susan Wead susan.wead@jefferson.kyschools.us

Third Grade
Mrs. Brandi Barker mary.barker@jefferson.kyschools.us
Ms. Megan Bunker megan.bunker@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Kristin Finck kristin.finck@jefferson.kyschools.us
Ms. Tiffany Higgs tiffany.higgs@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Sarah Holman sarah.goff@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Kristine Reger kristine.reger@jefferson.kyschools.us

Fourth Grade
Mrs. Jackie Brown jackie.mallory-brown@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Angela Chambers angela.chambers@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Patricia Masters patricia.masters@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Jane Williams jane.williams@jefferson.kyschools.us
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Randi Ballard randi.ballard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Kari Corsi kari.corsi@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Lorie Hafling lorie.hafling@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mrs. Shasta Hoback shasta.hoback@jefferson.kyschools.us

Instructional and ECE

Ms. Andrea Burns, ECE Teacher
Ms. Olivia Elmore, ECE Teacher
Mrs. Tina Gardner, ELA Interventionist
Mr. Kelly Graybeal, Goal Clarity Coach
Mrs. Amy Jeziorski, ELA Interventionist
Mrs. Rachel Lacap, Speech-Language Pathologist
Mrs. Tarah Matthews, ECE Teacher
Mrs. Agnese Smith, ECE Teacher
andrea.burns@jefferson.kyschools.us
olivia.elmore@jefferson.kyschools.us
tina.gardner@jefferson.kyschools.us
kelly.graybeal@jefferson.kyschools.us
amy.jeziorski@jefferson.kyschools.us
rachel.lacap@jefferson.kyschools.us
tarah.matthews@jefferson.kyschools.us
mary.smith4@jefferson.kyschools.us

Special Areas
Mrs. Marcia Creek, STEM Lab
Ms. Karen Kinnard, Practical Living
Mrs. Sara Manchak, Theatre Arts
Mrs. Julie McGinnis, Computer Lab
Mrs. Kristin Peimann, Library
marcia.toole@jefferson.kyschools.us
karen.kinnard@jefferson.kyschools.us
sara.manchak@jefferson.kyschools.us
julie.mcginnis@jefferson.kyschools.us
kristin.peimann@jefferson.kyschools.us

PTA
Wheeler PTA WheelerPTA@hotmail.com
Wheeler PTA Volunteers WheelerPTAVolunteers@gmail.com

Mrs. Brown Kindergarten @WildcatKinders

Ms. Williams Kindergarten @WilliamsKinders
Mrs. Bratton Kindergarten @Mrs_Bratton
Mrs. Corsi 5th Grade @MrsCorsi5th
Mrs. Ballard 5th Grade @MrsCorsi5th
Mrs. Manchak Theatre Arts @SManchak
Mrs. Espinosa Principal @WheelerElem
Mr. Meredith Assistant Principal @CoachMeredith